Tehran August 21— A tragic accident claimed the lives of 28 Pakistani pilgrims when their bus overturned in Iran's central Yazd province late Tuesday night. The incident occurred near the city of Taft, approximately 500 kilometers southeast of Tehran. The bus, carrying 53 passengers, was en route to Iraq for the Arbain celebrations, which commemorate the 40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala.

The accident, which also left 23 others seriously injured, has prompted concerns that the death toll may rise, with seven of the injured currently in critical condition. Local reports indicate that the bus caught fire shortly after overturning, exacerbating the devastation.

Yazd Traffic Police's preliminary investigation suggests that a technical fault in the bus's braking system caused the accident. "Unfortunately, 11 women and 17 men lost their lives in the accident," Ali Malekzadeh, the director general of the province's crisis management, told Iranian state television. Six of the injured have since been discharged after receiving first aid, while others remain under medical care.

Local authorities, including the governor of Yazd, Fatemi, have been actively involved in the rescue and relief efforts. A medical team from Yazd province has been dispatched to assist in treating the injured, and temporary accommodations have been provided for the families of the victims.

Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref expressed profound sorrow and extended his condolences to the victims' families. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the pilgrimage season, highlighting the risks faced by pilgrims traveling long distances for religious observances.